Kossar's Bialys
NYC's historic bialy bakery since 1936, serving authentic bialys, chewy bagels, and delicious spreads.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier seating
Kossar's Bialys
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier seating
Highlights
Must-see attractions
NYC's historic bialy bakery since 1936, serving authentic bialys, chewy bagels, and delicious spreads.
"The bagels are outstanding! Add this to your NYC travel list!"
Try the Bialy First! :bagel:
Don't miss Kossar's signature bialy; it's what they're famous for!
Seating is Limited :chair:
Be prepared for takeout, especially on weekends. Seating is minimal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Classic Bialy
Grand Street Location
Experience the chewy, onion-studded perfection of Kossar's original bialy, a true NYC institution since 1936.
Everything Bagel with Lox Cream Cheese
All Locations
A generous schmear of flavorful lox cream cheese on a perfectly chewy everything bagel. A crowd-pleaser!
Breakfast Wraps
All Locations
Hearty and delicious breakfast wraps that are a satisfying meal on the go.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bialy
Timing is Key for Seating
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Bialy First! :bagel:
Don't miss Kossar's signature bialy; it's what they're famous for!
Seating is Limited :chair:
Be prepared for takeout, especially on weekends. Seating is minimal.
Generous Cream Cheese :cheese_wedge:
Expect a good amount of cream cheese on your bagel, often spilling over!
Gluten-Free Options Available :wheat:
Happy to see gluten-free bagels are an option for those with dietary needs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Bialy First! :bagel:
Don't miss Kossar's signature bialy; it's what they're famous for!
Seating is Limited :chair:
Be prepared for takeout, especially on weekends. Seating is minimal.
Generous Cream Cheese :cheese_wedge:
Expect a good amount of cream cheese on your bagel, often spilling over!
Gluten-Free Options Available :wheat:
Happy to see gluten-free bagels are an option for those with dietary needs.
Consider Delivery :truck:
Kossar's offers delivery, perfect for a cozy morning in.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kossar's Bialys is celebrated for its authentic, chewy bagels and signature bialys, with many praising the generous portions of delicious lox cream cheese. While some find it pricey and seating can be tight, the old-school charm and quality ingredients make it a beloved New York institution. Occasional service hiccups are often resolved with commendable customer care.
"The bagels are pretty good and the cream cheese is delicious. I got everything bagel with lox cream cheese which cost $7.90 with tax. They put on a very good amount of cream cheese that popped out of the sides exploding with flavor. Next time I will try a bialy which I have never had before but I wanted to try their bagels. Not bad not bad not the best I’ve had but pretty good."
Jacob Cohen
"Had a very tasty lox bagel (Kosar classic) on a plain bagel, not toasted, and butter instead of cream cheese here. There is very minimal seating and it not an ideal place to eat with groups larger than 3 or 4 but you may have better luck finding seating during a busy hour in a party of 2. We came at around 11:30am on a Sunday and it was packed!! It has a charming old school atmosphere. My mom ate a pumpernickel bagel with lox spread (not a fan) she said it was too salty but my dad did enjoy his everything pumpernickel with lox spread, onions and tomatoes. I did find this place to be pretty pricey a my Kosar classic was almost $20 which is the most I’ve spent on a sandwich of this kind."
julia safrin
"After calling and speak with the manager and informing her of the mishap with my order, Suzanna gave her utmost apologies. She also assured me that when I return they will be sure to provide me my actual order without a charge. Thank you Suzanna for the exceptional customer service over the phone and that your staff executed on my arrival. My sandwich has the awesome balance that I was expecting.
I'm highly disappointed in the service provided on 9/21/25 when it comes to preparing an order. I was super pumped for getting my lox sandwich on Pumpernickel, might I add that I paid $19 for. Only for me to get ready to dive into my first bite and see that my sandwich was prepared without my lox. This is unacceptable to not get what you paid for. I will be calling this location first thing in the morning for this mishap to be rectified."
Sabrina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kossar's has multiple locations. The original is at 367 Grand Street in the Lower East Side (LES), accessible by subway lines like the F, J, M, and Z to Delancey St-Essex St. They also have a location on the Upper West Side (UWS) at 270 W 72nd St, near the 1, 2, 3, B, and C subway lines. +1
Yes, the Upper West Side location at 270 W 72nd St is conveniently located and easy to spot. It's a great stop if you're exploring the area or near The High Line. +1
The Grand Street location is a good walk from many downtown attractions, while the UWS location is perfect if you're near Central Park or the American Museum of Natural History.
The NYC subway system is the most efficient way to travel between Kossar's Grand Street and Upper West Side locations. Plan your route using a transit app.
Street parking in Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach Kossar's.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kossar's Bialys is a bakery and cafe, not an attraction requiring tickets. You simply walk in and order your food.
Opening hours can vary slightly by location and day, but generally, Kossar's is open early in the morning through the afternoon. It's best to check their specific hours online before visiting.
There is no admission fee. You pay for the food and drinks you order.
Kossar's does not typically take reservations as it's a casual eatery. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Yes, Kossar's offers online ordering for pickup and delivery through their website and potentially third-party apps.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A bialy is a traditional Jewish bread, similar to a bagel but flatter, with a chewy texture and a savory onion filling in the center. Kossar's is renowned for making authentic bialys since 1936. +1
The classic bialy is a must-try. Other popular items include their various bagels with cream cheese (especially lox cream cheese), breakfast wraps, and babka. +1
While many bagel and bialy options can be made vegetarian, vegan options might be limited. Plain bagels or bialys with vegetable cream cheese are good choices. Confirm with staff for specific ingredients.
Prices can vary, but expect to pay around $5-$8 for a bagel or bialy with cream cheese, and sandwiches can range from $15-$20.
Yes, Kossar's has been noted to offer gluten-free bagels, which is a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the classic signage, the freshly baked goods displayed, and the charming, old-school interior. The UWS location offers a more modern, spacious vibe for photos. +1
Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside Kossar's. Be mindful of other customers and staff, especially during busy times.
Close-ups of the bialys and bagels, shots of the cream cheese generously spread, and wider angles showing the bakery's atmosphere are great.
The Grand Street location is in the vibrant Lower East Side, offering street photography opportunities. The UWS location is near parks and residential streets perfect for a stroll and photos.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the freshness of the baked goods. Late afternoon can offer a warm glow, especially if you're near a window.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Bialy
Reddit discussions highlight that while bagels are popular, the bialy is the true star. Some suggest eating it plain to appreciate its flavors, while others enjoy it sliced with cream cheese, particularly lox cream cheese.
Beyond the Bialy: Bagels and More
While the bialy is their signature, Kossar's also serves excellent bagels. These are prepared with the same care, offering that classic New York chew. Popular choices include the everything bagel, often paired with a generous amount of lox cream cheese, which reviewers rave about for its flavor and quantity.
Navigating Kossar's Locations and Atmosphere
The Upper West Side (UWS) location at 270 W 72nd Street offers a more modern and spacious environment.
The Vibe and Customer Experience
Across both locations, the general atmosphere is one of a beloved neighborhood institution. TikTok videos often capture the lively buzz, the appealing display of baked goods, and the satisfying first bite of a fresh bagel or bialy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit